Fans question India's decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav from third T20I
Fans questioned India's decision to drop Kuldeep Yadav from the third T20I playing XI in favour of an extra seamer.
Fans reacted on social media after India dropped wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the third T20I against West Indies in Indore on Sunday. Pacer Prince Yadav replaced the spinner, while Nitish Kumar Reddy came in for Shivam Dube.
Captain Shreyas Iyer said at the toss that India wanted an extra seamer who could bowl yorkers given the ground dimensions and the need to restrict boundary-hitting. Kuldeep had taken three wickets across the first two matches but conceded 53 runs in four overs in Ranchi.
Fans expressed surprise at the decision. Some questioned why a wrist-spinner of Kuldeep's quality was left out on a flat track. The series is level at 1-1 after West Indies chased down 249 for a six-wicket victory on Friday.
CricHubb Take
The decision to prioritise yorker specialists over Kuldeep Yadav on a small ground reflects India's willingness to sacrifice spin variety when boundary-hitting becomes the primary threat.